Department of Politics
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-370-6060 voice
503-370-6720 fax
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Politics Department Office?
The administrative office is located on the third floor of Smullin Hall, in room 312 (across from the elevator, next to the stairwell). A map of Willamette University and driving directions may be found at the link below.
Printable map with driving directions.
Who is the Chair of the Politics Department?
The Politics Department Chair changes on a rotating basis. The current Chair is Sammy Basu.
How do I declare the Politics major?
To declare the Politics major, obtain a Declaration of Major form by visiting the Registrar's Office on the third floor of the Putnam University Center or by printing the form which can be found at the link below. Complete the form and obtain the appropriate signatures and then take the form to the Registrar's Office.
Printable Declaration of Major form.
How many credits towards the major can I ean on overseas studies programs and/or the Washington semester?
You can earn up to three credits towards the major from overseas studies programs and/or the Washington semester.
How many internship credits can I apply towards the major?
You can earn up to one credit from an internship to be applied towards the major.
Who do I talk to in the Politics Department if I would like to do an Internship?
Professor Melissa Michaux, Internship Advisor.
How do I choose the Politics Department professor I want to work with on my Senior Thesis?
Which professors are available to supervise your Senior Thesis depends on which semester you choose to take the Senior Thesis Seminar and which professors are teaching the Seminar that semester. You should choose a professor whose area of expertise matches your interests in writing the Senior Thesis. You do not need to have taken a previous course with a professor to take the Senior Thesis Seminar with that professor, nor does your thesis supervisor need to be your major advisor. Your should talk to your advisor, the Department Chair and/or the faculty member you would like to supervise your thesis if you have specific questions about the fit between your interests and the expertise of the professor you would like to supervise your thesis.
Who do I talk to in the library to help me undertake research on Politics?
Help with research for Politics courses can be obtained from any Reference Librarian at Mark O. Hatfield Library. Ford Schmidt is the designated Politics Department Library Research Specialist.